Men account for nearly two-thirds of dengue infections reported in Bangladesh this year, but women make up the majority of those who have died from the disease, according to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data.
As of 8am on August 29, 33,586 dengue cases had been reported nationwide, with men accounting for 61.9% and women 38.1%.
But among the 90 deaths recorded so far, women account for 57.3%, compared with 42.7% for men.
The disparity has raised questions about whether women face additional risks after contracting dengue. However, experts say there is no established scientific evidence yet to explain the higher female share of deaths.
Public health specialist Dr Mushtuq Huasin said several factors could potentially increase women’s risk, including delays in hospitalization, pregnancy-related complications, abnormal bleeding, anemia, malnutrition and lack of timely treatment.
“Dengue during pregnancy can lead to complications if treatment is not sought quickly. Again, if infected during menstruation, the risk of anemia also increases. For various personal and family reasons, many women come to hospitals late,” he said.
Mushtuq said abnormal bleeding in dengue patients should never be ignored, as some may require blood transfusions.
“If there is a delay in arranging blood in such cases, the situation may become worse,” he said.
Early hospitalization, close monitoring, timely arrangements for blood, and appropriate fluid and supportive treatment could significantly reduce dengue-related deaths among women, he said.
However, Mushtuq stressed that the higher female death rate has not been scientifically established as a gender-specific pattern.
“Delays in hospitalization may be a possible explanation,” he said.
Dr Sara, a medical officer at Mugda Medical College Hospital, also said there is no scientific basis for claiming that women are more likely to die from dengue.
“In our experience, we see that many women are actually hospitalized quickly. In some cases, men themselves come and get admitted late,” she said.
According to Sara, anemia and malnutrition may be important risk factors among women. Changes in platelet levels combined with anemia could also worsen complications, she said.
“After being infected with dengue, it is important to seek medical attention quickly as well as consume nutritious food,” she said.
She added that women seeking treatment for dengue are, in fact, being admitted to hospitals faster than men.
Professor Kabirul Bashar of Jahangirnagar University’s Department of Zoology said men’s higher infection rate may be linked to their greater mobility and exposure to mosquitoes.
“Men generally travel more between homes, workplaces and other places. As a result, the possibility of mosquito bites and becoming infected with dengue also increases,” he said.
But Bashar said the lower number of reported infections among women may not necessarily reflect their actual infection rate.
“Comparatively fewer tests among women mean many infections may remain undetected,” he said.
He said pregnancy, menstruation, malnutrition and limited attention to their own health could collectively contribute to women’s risk of death.
24-hour dengue situation
The DGHS said 996 people were hospitalized with dengue in the 24 hours to 8am on August 29, while two people died.
One of the deceased was from Barisal and the other from Khulna division.
Khulna recorded the highest number of hospitalizations, with 263 patients, while Sylhet recorded the lowest, with three.
Men accounted for 62.9% of those hospitalized with dengue during the period, while women accounted for 37.1%.
